Passau - Budapest - Passau: bike & boat with MS Se-Manon

Perls of the Danube

By bike and boat along the Danube. What a special experience, because your floating hotel is always with you. Enjoy the impressive natural spectacle of the Schlögener Danube loop and the fascinating landscape of the Wachau with its wine terraces, castles and palaces in the saddle or from the comfort of the deck. Enjoy the untouched floodplain forests of the Donauauen National Park and the picturesque Hungarian Danube Bend. Discover the many sights to the right and left of the Danube. The broad river runs like a silver thread through Budapest and divides the city into 2 parts- mountainous Buda and the flat Pest. In Esztergom, the imposing dome of the basilica greets you from afar. Bratislava, formerly Pressburg, the Slovak capital at the foot of the Little Carpathians, invites you to take a long stroll with its charming old town. Would you like a little flirtation with Vienna, the city of the waltz? A fireworks display of sights, small, dreamy coffee houses and cozy wine taverns await you.

MS SE-Manon

Look forward to the relaxed and cozy atmosphere on board the premium ship MS Se-Manon. The choice is yours: after your bike tour, use the small wellness area with sauna, whirlpool and fitness equipment, withdraw to the library or relax in the panorama salon. You can enjoy the view from the restaurant with a panoramic view, in which your physical well-being is catered for, or from the spacious sun deck, on which the bikes are also accommodated. There is an outdoor pool (8.70 m x 4.50 m) on the stern of the ship. The 75 outside cabins for up to 150 guests are approx. 14 m² in size and equipped with comfortabl beds. The cabins have shower / toilet (in 4 cabins with bathtub), hairdryer, TV, safe, house telephone, minibar and air conditioning. The middle and upper deck can be easily reached by elevator. The 30 cabins on the upper deck have a french balcony with windows that can be opened. The panorama windows in the 32 middle deck cabins can also be opened. The smaller windows in the 13 main deck cabins cannot be opened.

1. day Passau Arrival, Boat trip to Engelhartszell

Arrival in the "Three River City". Passau attracts many with the world's greatest church organ at the Stephansdom and it’s charming Old Town. Embarkation will be around 4:00 pm, departure around 7:00 pm. Enjoy your first dinner on board and an evening sail to Engelhartszell.

2. day Engelhartszell - Untermühl, bike tour ca. 33-39 km, boat trip to Bratislava

Start your first bike tour in Engelhartszell. Follow the meanders of the Danube through the romantic river landscape of the Danube loop (Donauschlinge), one of the most beautiful parts of the Danube. Discover dreamy villages at the foot of lush green wooded slopes and enjoy the wonderful river landscape. In the afternoon you will go back on board and continue your journey at a leisurely pace by ship.

3. day Bratislava, ca. 53 km

Arrival at Bratislava. You start cycling from Bratislava via Hainburg to the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof beautifully terraced gardens and idyllic manor farm further on to Devin and then back to Bratislava. Tip: discover the hidden alleys of Bratislava, places and all the sights of this ambitious metropolis during a tour by mini train and by foot. In the night shipping to Budapest.

4. day Budapest (day of rest) or roundtrip to Szentendre, ca. 48 km

If you are one of the early birds, this morning you can enjoy a fantastic view of the majestic landscape of the Danube Bend from the sundeck. Budapest then welcomes you with a breathtakingly beautiful panorama. In the afternoon you will have time to explore the hungarian capital. But if you want, you can also go on a bike excursion to the small artist town of Szentendre, which attracts with its lovingly restored old town, numerous churches and artist galleries. During the night the MS SE-Manon sails back to Visegrad.

5. day Vác – Esztergom, ca. 48 km

Look forward to a wonderful bike tour through the Danube Bend, because it is also an excursion through the history of Hungary. From the baroque town of Vác you cycle through the picturesque, gently rolling landscape of the Hungarian Wachau to Esztergom, with the magnificent basilica towers high above the castle district. In the afternoon everyone will travel to Vienna by ship.

6. day Wien-Nussdorf / possibly Korneuburg (day of rest)

Look forward to a free day in Vienna and discover some of the countless sights of this remarkable city. Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, the landmark of Vienna, the attractive Hofburg, the official seat of the Austrian Federal President, the national library and the seat of various museums and take a stroll along the splendid Ringstrasse boulevard. Marvel at the Burgtheater, the State Opera and the town hall. If you are in Vienna for the first time, take the time to visit one of the famous cafés. After an eventful day, your ship sails to Rossatz or Dürnstein in the beautiful Wachau region at night.

7. day Wachau – Melk – Pöchlarn, ca. 40-50 km / boat trip to Passau

A wonderful day of cycling through the Wachau awaits you today. Enjoy the sight of the lovely hillside landscape with dreamy villages, wine terraces, castles, monasteries and ruins. The blue tower of the collegiate church of Dürnstein, which is considered to be the landmark of the Wachau, will surely inspire you too. In the afternoon, marvel at the imposing Melk Abbey, one of the most important baroque buildings in Austria. In Pöchlarn you finally go back on board, where a festive farewell dinner awaits you. Enjoy the last evening and the last night on board as your ship sails back to Passau.

8. day Passau Departure

Every journey draws to an end. Once again you enjoy on deck the first sunbeams and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley. Arrival in Passau is approx. at 10:00 am, disembarkation half an hour later. We recommend to arrange connecting trips not before noon.

Worth knowing about your bike trip

Below please find more information about your boat and bike trip from Passau to Budapest and back with MS Se-Manon. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us by phone: 0049 - (0)6421-886890.

Parking facilities in Passau

You have the opportunity to park your vehicle in a parking lot on the outskirts of Passau. You can choose between a secured, but not covered parking (75.00 EUR (2024: 78.00 EUR) for the duration of the journey) or a parking garage (87.00 EUR (2024: 92.00 EUR) for the duration of the journey). From the parking lot to ship and vice versa, you will be transported by shuttle bus. You will receive with your travel documents approximately four weeks before the trip a form where you can reserve the required parking.

Arrival by train

The central station Passau is approx. 5 km away from the ship. The best way to get to the ship is by taxi.

Changes of itinerary and programm

In extreme high or low water, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge sections by bus and/or in extreme cases, cancel the trip on short notice without having to be derived from a legal entitlement (water level is higher power). The same applies officially ordered locks and/or bridge repairs or by engine or drive damage of the ship.

Noises on board of the MS SE-Manon

Please be aware that a cruise ship on the Danube is not only your hotel but also a machine, working with engine power also during the night. Especially crossing locks and bridges - and the preparation work - may cause noise. If you are sensitive please bring your own ear plugs.

Available rental bikes

7 gears unisex trekking bicycles with normal mount (ladies’ model) and 8 gears E-Bikes with normal mount (ladies’ model). Brand: Velo de Ville (special production for SE-Tours). Each with hand brake, coaster breaking hubs or freewheel hubs (subject to availability - please indicate as non-binding customer request when booking) and pannier bag. E-bikes are available after prior request and at limited number only.

It is possible to bring your own bikes on request due to the lack of space on the sundeck.

Excursions on board

The excursions which are mentioned in the itinerary are bookable on board.

Special food

Special food (lactose free or gluten free) is avaiable on request. Please let us know your wishes until 14 days prior to your arrival. The food is available paying an extra fee. Please note that it might be possible that you have to bring your own food.

Decks

Available types of cabin

Upper deck: 30 cabins with french balcony (= floor-to-ceiling windows which can be opened)
Middle deck: 32 cabins with large panorama window - can be opened
Main deck: 13 cabins with smaller windows - cannot be opened

Main deck cabin

Middle deck cabin

Upper deck cabin

Pool

Restaurant

Library

Reception

Extra costs which are not included in the tour price

Entrance fees and excursions, ferries, tipps, drinks and other expenses are not included in the tour price.

7 day hotline service

In case of chain breakdown, flooding or other bad surprises that makes a continuation of your tour impossible: no problem, we also work during weekends and you can reach us 7 days a week in case of emergency.

Passport and visa requirements

For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.

Travel insurance

The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.

Passau

Passau in the southeast of Germany is located at the Austrian border. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau is worldwide known as "The Three Rivers City". The earliest evidence of human settlement dates back to the Neolithic. Passau was part of the Roman Empire for more than 400 years. It became an Episcopal seat in the year 739 AD. Passau was an independent prince bishopric for over 600 years. Finally in 1803 Passau was annexed into Bavaria. The setting of the Old Town, created by Italian baroque masters in the 17th century, shows soaring towers, picturesque places, enchanting promenades and romantic lanes.

Passau

 

St. Stephen´s Cathedral, Passau

St. Stephen's Cathedral is a baroque church built in 1688. Since 730, there have been many churches built on the site of the current cathedral. The current church, a baroque building around 100 metres long, was built from 1668 to 1693 after a fire in 1662 destroyed its predecessor, of which only the late gothic eastern side remains. The cathedral's overall plan was made by Carlo Lurago, its interior decoration by Giovanni Battista Carlone, and its frescos by Carpoforo Tencalla.

St. Stephen´s Cathedral, Passau

 

Schloegen Oxbow

The Danube Valley has a very aesthetic appearance that hits its peak with the Schlögener Schlinge.
Here the power and beauty of nature is being reflected. Waters have always been of great significance to mankind. Through shipping, the Danube played and plays an important role up to this day. A less well-known utilisation of the Danube valley is winegrowing. Between 1000 and 1300 AD, in the medival warm period, wine was being grown in the cross valleys and the lower layers of Upper Austria. There used to be a small-sized vineyard with walls and staircase connections on the same level as Inzell, but on the left slope of the Danube Valley. Today it is completely overgrown by shrubbery. But in Hilkering, near Aschach, wine is currently being cultivated. The „Schlögener Schlinge“ has been appointed a „Natural Wonder of Austria“ in 2008. This rarity, called epigenetic cross valley, was being generated when the Danube carved its way through the soft layers of the Tertiary and created its meander-formed river bed, which it had to retain on the hard granitic rock. Because of the elevation of the landmass later on, the Danube carved itself nearly 300m into the ground and thereby created the dell, which almost forms a full circle in the Schlögener Schlinge.

Schloegen Oxbow

 

Bratislava Castle

The monumental building of the Bratislava Castle is visible from a great distance. Certainly, every visitor of Bratislava notices the pronounced silhouette. The majestic impression is enhanced by the hill it stands on, some eighty-five metres above the water level of the Danube river.

Bratislava Castle

 

Budapest Gellért Hill

The "Monument of the Holy Martyr Bishop Gellért" recalls the rebellion of pagan Hungarians in the 11th century. According to legend, they took the violent Christianization of Gellért as the reason to lock him in a barrel and tumble the barrel down the hill into the Danube. On top of the mountain is the monument to celebrate the liberation of the city by the Red Army in 1945. Also on the summit stands the citadel, from which one has a great view over Budapest and in both directions along the Danube. The night city tour by bus also leads to this viewpoint. Highly recommended!

Gellért Hill

 

Budapest Market Hall

Built at the end of the 19th century, the Central Market Hall (officially called 'Központi Vásárcsarnok' in Hungarian) is the largest indoor market in Budapest. Among other things, on the ground floor you'll find a large selection of sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables. On the second floor, there are food stands and plenty of vendors selling handicrafts, clothing, embroidery, chessboards and other souvenirs.

Market Hall

 

Szentendre

The winding streets, the seven church towers, the colorful houses, the narrow streets, two dozens of museums and, not least, the contemporary Mediterranean flair make the city on the banks of the Danube one of the most visited in Hungary. Szentendre, which looks like an open air museum, has also made a name for itself as a town of artists and also offers great shopping opportunities.

Szentendre

 

Esztergom Cathedral

The charming city on the Danube is the seat of the head of the Hungarian Catholic Church, the Archbishop of Esztergom. In the castle of Esztergom built in 972, Stephan the Saint (1000-1038), the first Hungarian king and the founder of the Hungarian state, was born. The main landmark of the city is the basilica (Szent István tér), which was built in the 19th century in the classical style. It is the largest church in the country with the largest and world-wide single, painted altarpiece on linen.

Esztergom Cathedral

Café Landtmann Vienna

Take a seat on original Thonet chairs from the imperial age, or in one of the snug heritage-protected booths. You gaze will no doubt fall on the historical inlay work on the walls and the mirrors from the Golden 1920s. These fine jewels stand testament to the great history of the Landtmann.

Franz Landtmann created a coffeehouse institution when he opened Vienna’s largest “café locality” in the year 1873. His patrons have included Sigmund Freud, Marlene Dietrich, Romy Schneider, Paul McCartney and Hillary Clinton.

Cafe Landtmann

 

St. Stephen's Cathedral Vienna

St. Stephen's Cathedral is the symbol of Vienna. Construction commenced in the 12th century. Today, it is one of the most important Gothic structures in Austria. In addition to valuable altars and side chapels, the impressive cathedral treasure can also be seen, including relics decorated with gold and precious stones, monstrances, liturgical texts and books as well as vestments. Numerous important people were also given their final resting place in St. Stephen's Cathedral.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

 

Melk Abbey

Melk Abbey is one of the biggest and most beautiful European Baroque ensembles (built between 1702-1739 to designs by Jakob Prandtauer). Its splendid architecture is famous worldwide and part of UNESCO´s World Cultural Heritage. The baroque building, situated on a rock overlooking the Danube, in the Wachau region, ranks as one Austria´s most visited art-historical sites. The abbey museum in the former Imperial Rooms contains the exhibition „The Path from Yesterday to Today“ which makes use of art treasures and multi-media means to tell the monastery´s more than 900-year-long history in a modern way.

Melk Abbey

 

Dürnstein

The Wachau is one of the most famous regions in Austria. More and more visitors will appreciate the landscape, the culture and the world of excellent wines. An indispensable destination in this charming river landscape on the banks of the Danube is the old Kuenringer town of Dürnstein, where tradition and beauty meet in a unique way. The landscape is characterized by natural beauty such as the terraces of the old vineyards, a favorable climate and numerous cultural monuments, which invite you to linger. Tip: Take a glass of excellent apricot jam as a "tasteful" souvenir!

Dürnstein